Issue 22 / Q4 / 2023
A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP
D
ear Friends and Supporters,
Wow …. to say that it’s been an eventful year would be an understatement!
In addition to the multiple celebrations for our 20th anniversary, the premiere of a documentary film about the transformation of the Detroit Riverfront, and the hundreds of hours of community programming that took place across all of our parks, we opened two new and long-awaited connections: the Southwest Greenway in May and the Uniroyal Promenade in October. These new connections signify more than just the physical connection they provide between parks and neighborhoods. They are part of a vision coming to life, an example of hard work paying off and proof that with collaboration and a common goal, even the seemingly impossible can be achieved. Twenty years ago, community leaders and stakeholders came together to discuss a vision for the transformation of the Detroit Riverfront. I’ll never forget the meeting where we all discussed forming a board of directors for a brand new Conservancy to help make that vision a reality. Every single person raised their hand to volunteer. It is that level of commitment, from all of our stakeholders, that has propelled us forward. Our path has been filled with many successes but also roadblocks; humbling reminders that transformational change does not happen overnight. But we didn’t give up, we kept pushing forward, and year after year we’ve seen the results of that dedication.
So here we are in 2023, two decades later, completing the 3.5-mile vision for the East Riverfront with the Uniroyal Promenade and well underway on the construction of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park on the West Riverfront. The beautiful and welcoming public spaces along the Detroit Riverfront are no longer just a vision or a blueprint sitting on a dusty shelf, but rather a daily reality for the people of Detroit and the surrounding communities. Our network of parks and greenways has changed the perception of the City of Detroit and become an essential part of people’s lives. Many young people have never known a Detroit without a vibrant and expanding riverfront. This year has given me a lot to think about and reflect upon, but I’m still looking forward. Looking forward to the daily progress I’m seeing at Ralph Wilson Park. Looking forward to the always expanding programming we’re providing to the community. Looking forward to keeping our spaces beautiful and safe and welcoming to everyone. And I’m looking forward to your continued support of our mission as we move into our next 20 years and beyond. I’ve never been more optimistic about what we’ll create together – I know we’re in for an exciting ride. Happy Holidays and thank you for joining me in looking forward.
Matthew P. Cullen Chairman